Farmers plan to diversify post Brexit

Almost 20% of UK farmers are planning to diversify into other enterprises to support their farm business after Brexit, reveals research published today (Nov 7) by NFU Mutual.

The rural insurer’s Diversification Report provides information on latest trends, together with expert insight and analysis to help farmers make decisions on the future direction of their farm businesses after Brexit.

NFU Mutual surveyed farmers with established diversification businesses to gain insight into their experiences, as well as farmers currently solely involved in farming activities to understand their attitudes and plans for future diversification.

The research found that from the 62% of UK farmers who have already diversified their businesses, over nine out of ten schemes (94%) have been financially successful.

The important role diversification plays in the sustainability of many farms was demonstrated with nearly two thirds (63%) reporting that the income produced by diversification was ‘vital’ or ‘significant’ to their farm.

The most common diversification was renewable energy (29%), followed by property letting (15%) and holiday lets (12%). Other types of popular enterprises included: livery stables (6%), Outdoor leisure activities (5%), and farm shops (2%).

Not surprisingly, boosting farm income was the main reason for diversifying – quoted by 62% of farmers surveyed. Other reasons included: providing a business opportunity for a partner or other family member (26%), utilising redundant farm buildings or unproductive land (20%), and providing a short-term income (9%).

While 89% of diversified farmers’ said their schemes had a positive effect on the farm business; respondents highlighted a number of challenges running an alternative enterprise alongside a farm. These include: lack of time (22%); red tape (18%); unreliable broadband (15%) and cash flow (15%).

Of those farmers who had already diversified, 25% said they were planning to further develop non-farming enterprises after Brexit.

Among farmers who do not currently run diversification enterprises, 19% said they would probably or definitely diversify in the future. However, just under half (46%) of non-diversified farms still believe farming provides the best potential for their holding. Other reasons for not planning to diversify included lack of access to finance, no interest amongst family members and poor broadband.

Top choices for farmers now planning to diversify are: caravan/camping sites (27%) other holiday accommodation (20%), and renewable energy (20%). Encouragingly for the rural economy, 80% of farmers planning to diversify expect their schemes to create between one and two permanent jobs.

Editorial director Nick Eyriey is an experienced and respected journalist having spent some 20 years in the local and national press working with newspapers such as The Yorkshire Post, Today, The Sun, and the Mail on Sunday.